05/31/2026
Sunday School Lesson
A Faithful Mindset
What Does Success Look Like for Believers?
Philippians 2:1-11
Key Points: Community is Created Through Humility and Christ is the Model of Humility
Paul is reminding the Philippians of everything they've received through their relationship with Christ Jesus. If they have experienced real compassion and kindness, then let's live like it. He is urging them to be united, to truly love each other, and to work together with the same mindset and purpose. Jesus is our example.
Let me be clear this is not about everyone being the same or thinking identically. Paul isn't asking for cookie cutter Christians. He knows they're (WE) are all different with different backgrounds and perspectives. That is a strength, but only if they (WE) can approach each other with humility. Paul says don't just think about yourselves. Value others more than yourself. Consider their own opinions or preferences not because other people are better than you, but because humility holds communities together. When WE put others first, not in a way that erases who we are, but in a way that honors who they are, that's when the unity starts to take shape.
Paul points to Jesus's humility during his earthly ministry as the example the Philippians should follow, saying that they should live with the same attitude for the good and unity of the whole community. How should they reach that unity? By practicing humility.
💕💕💕Jesus didn't use HIs divine status for personal gain or for special privileges but to benefit others. Jesus emptied HIMSELF or laid aside HIS divine nature for US. He descended from heaven and became human so that He could reach humans. Christ's humility went to the depths of the human experience. He accepted and subjected Himself to the most degrading form of capital punishment during the time of His earthly ministry, death by crucifixion. 💕💕💕
💕💕💕Jesus is the example of humility. The people can show humility and self-sacrifice that Christ modeled by abandoning self-interest, identifying with the needs of others, and embracing the depths of human suffering for the benefit of others. 💕💕💕
Paul uses the life and death of Christ as a pattern of Christians to follow in many of his letters. While we can't recreate Jesus's work of salvation, WE can copy the spiritual basis of HIS love, humility, and servitude to others.
💕💕💕Today, WE should also follow the example of Christ in HIS humility. Paul points out that humility is the key to unity while pride breeds strife and contention. We need to pray and meditate on how we can embody Christ's humility more fully. We need to think about OUR relationships with God, our family, faith community, and our larger community. Seek God's guidance on where WE can serve more deeply and purposefully. That is the true road to personal exaltation and the glory of God. 💕💕💕
